COVID HACKS
A Science-based Curriculum for the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID Healthy Actions, Community Knowledge, and Science (HACKS) curriculum resources address critical science and health concepts and skills related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons are available for different grade bands: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
COVID HACKS teaching resources engage students in key science and engineering practices, such as asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing or interpreting data, and communicating scientific information. Search the list below for topics relevant to your students.
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The Eyes Have It
Lesson
Students identify the emotions projected by the eyes in a series of photographs, then try their hand at creating their own face images, in the style of emojis.
Grades: K-2 -
Masking Up!
Lesson
Students discuss the importance of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and learn best practices for wearing and removing a face covering.
Grades: K-2 -
Pandemics Through History
Lesson
Students are challenged to make a timeline of historical pandemics to demonstrate that the current COVID-19 pandemic is not a one-of-a kind event. Students will reflect upon the ways in which pandemics have shaped the development of scientific and public health knowledge, and the treatments that have resulted.
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Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Students conduct research using online text resources and media to explore how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person to person.
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Rewind, Reflect, Fast-Forward
Lesson
Students will compile key events in the COVID-19 pandemic timeline, learn where to find accurate national and state COVID-19 statistics, and reflect on how the pandemic has affected their lives.
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Pandemic Puzzle
Lesson
This word search puzzle focuses on terminology and vocabulary associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be used as a stand-alone activity or to extend any other curriculum lessons.
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The More the Merrier?
Lesson
Students use powdered drink mix in plastic cups to simulate disease transmission in different-size crowds.
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Life Is Different Now
Lesson
This school year is different in so many ways for everyone, whether students are learning at home “virtually” or in a face-to-face classroom. In this activity, students will reflect on how life has changed for them during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grades: K-2 -
Clean Hands Knock Out Germs!
Lesson
Washing hands correctly kills germs that cause disease. This lesson explains why washing hands is important and how to clean hands correctly.
Grades: K-2 -
What Is Coronavirus?
Lesson
Students gather information online to explore differences between viruses and cells and to learn about the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Funding
The COVID HACKS curriculum project is made possible thanks to the support from Laura & John Arnold and Baylor College of Medicine. Scientists, educators, and physicians from Baylor College of Medicine provided content, feedback, and technical reviews.